Homemaker enjoys photography, shopping

Christy and Ferrel Duffel moved to Manila a little over a year ago. Brother Ferrel accepted the pastorate of Manila First Baptist Church in February 2003. Mr. Duffel was pastor at the First Baptist Church in Hardy, where they lived for six years. Mrs. Duffel and their daughter, Jennifer, remained in Hardy through the week until school was out in June. Jennifer, 15, is a sophomore at MHS. They also have two grown sons, Jeremy and Phillip. Jeremy lives in Manila and Phillip lives in Jonesboro.

Brother Ferrel has been in the ministry 27 years. In addition to Hardy he has served churches in Cherry Valley, Madison, and Searcy. The couple had been married a few years when he surrendered to the ministry.

"It is not a difficult decision when you know it is where you are supposed to be," Mrs. Duffel said. "We did a lot of praying that Jennifer would be happy with the move to Manila, and it worked. She loves school here and has made a lot of friends."

Jennifer enjoys sports and plays softball and golf and is looking forward to trying out for cheerleading next year.

Mrs. Duffel said the family has enjoyed being in Manila and the people have been warm and made them feel at home.

Mrs. Duffel is originally from Madison, near Forrest City. Mr. Duffel spent his younger years in Memphis and moved to Forrest City during his last years of high school.

Mr. Duffel has a bachelor's degree from Mid-South Bible College and is working on his Masters in Divinity Degree through Rice Seminary. Mrs. Duffel has a degree in psychology and a minor in criminology. She serves as church secretary and said she enjoys her work. Working part-time gives her more time to spend in church work.. She teaches a ladies' Bible study class on Sunday evenings and enjoys being in the couple's class that her husband teaches on Sunday mornings.

Mrs. Duffell is taking a photography course at Arkansas State University. She said she has always enjoyed taking pictures but is just now getting the equipment and the time to take the courses. Her favorite subjects are people. She said Debbe Scott, a local photographer, has helped her a lot.

She is looking forward to trying her hobby this summer when the family goes to Hawaii. One of her friends is getting married there and Brother Ferrel will officiate. They plan to spend five days in Hawaii.

"Jennifer loves being in and around the water and she is hoping she will be able to try surfing while we are there," Mrs. Duffel said.

In addition to photography, she said her second favorite hobby is shopping. She enjoys the malls. She said she also enjoys cooking but it does take a back seat to photography and shopping.

She is sharing some of her favorite recipes.

Ham and Turkey Rolls

Ham slices - thin

Boiled chicken or turkey, chopped.

Cheddar cheese, grated

Onion, chopped

Mushroom Sauce:

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 4 oz. can of mushrooms, undrained

1/2 cup milk

Mix and heat all ingredients until hot

Add:

1 cup sour cream

Roll chopped chicken and cheese in ham slices. Hold together with toothpicks. Sprinkle with onions and cover with mushroom sauce. Cook covered on 400 degrees until heated through.

Congo Bars

3/4 cup melted butter

1 box brown sugar

3 eggs

2-3/4 cup flour, self-rising

1 cup nuts

12 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix butter and sugar together until blended. Beat eggs and add to the sugar/butter mixture, blend well. Next add flour then milk and vanilla. Mix well after adding each ingredient. Add chocolate chips and stir together. Bake in a 13x9 inch pan at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Chili Cheese Dip

In large pot add:

1 pound hamburger meat, browned

1 can of chili

1 can of ranch style or chili beans

1 can Rotel

1 pound Velveeta cheese

Cook together on medium heat until cheese is completely melted. Serve over chips or baked potatoes.